What is the critical function of butyrate for the cells lining the colon?
Serving as the primary fuel source for colon lining cells
The significance of butyrate in the context of gut health and reduced systemic inflammation lies specifically in its metabolic role within the digestive tract. Butyrate is universally recognized as the preferred and primary energy source required to fuel the colonocytes, the specialized cells that make up the intestinal lining. When these cells are adequately nourished by sufficient butyrate production, they remain healthy and metabolically active, ensuring the tight junctions between them remain robust. This robust barrier prevents undigested particles or toxins from crossing from the gut lumen into the systemic circulation, thereby stopping them from improperly activating the immune system and initiating inflammatory cascades.
